Symptoms of Obesity Obesity affects you as well as your body. You may think that having extra thick skin on your skin is not a big deal, b...
Symptoms of Obesity
Obesity affects you as well as your body. You may think that having extra thick skin on your skin is not a big deal, but it can have many serious consequences like shortness of breath and sweating while doing small tasks, sleeping more or less than necessary, walking a little.
Symptoms such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing, swelling in different parts of the body, fat accumulation in various parts of the body, mental and psychological symptoms such as self-esteem, loss of self-confidence can be seen.
Apart from this, obesity increases the chances of type 2 diabetes. It might increase the chances of getting heart disease. Some other issues like arthritis and loss of vitality are also a result of obesity.
To know if you are obese or not, take this two-minute test - Body Mass Index Test
Causes of Obesity
Why does obesity increase?
The most common cause of obesity is burning fewer calories than you consume daily over a long period of time in daily activity and exercise. Over time, these extra calories accumulate and cause weight gain.
But it is not always just a matter of calorie consumption and lifestyle. There are also some such reasons which are not in your control. Let us know about them.
Common specific causes of obesity include -
- genetics, which affects how your body turns food into energy and stores fat
- aging, which can lead to decreased muscle mass and metabolic rate
- Not getting enough sleep, which can lead to hormonal changes that increase appetite
- Pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy can be difficult to lose
- Some medicines, if you do not make changes in diet and activity along with taking them, can cause you to gain weight. Examples of such drugs are antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, sugar medications, antipsychotic drugs, steroids, beta-blockers.
- Certain health problems can also lead to weight gain, which can lead to obesity.
This includes -
- polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disease that causes an imbalance of female reproductive hormones
- Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare disease present at birth that causes excessive appetite
- Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by increased levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid), a disease in which the thyroid gland makes less of certain important hormones
- Arthritis or osteoarthritis and other conditions that cause pain that can lead to reduced activity
Prevention of Obesity
- Obesity and obesity-related diseases have increased greatly in the past few decades. This is the reason why everyone is emphasizing healthy eating and physical activities.
- On an individual level, you can prevent weight gain and obesity by adopting a healthy lifestyle -
- Get 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, such as walking, swimming, or bicycling
Choose nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
Eat low or no foods high in fat, calories
Obesity Test - Diagnosis of Obesity
How to diagnose obesity?
If your body mass index falls in the obese category, your doctor will examine your health history. He will do a physical examination of you and suggest some tests.
The tests include -
1. Checking your health history - The doctor will take information about you such as your weight history, efforts to lose weight, exercise habits, eating habits, any medicines you have been taking for a long time, stress levels, and other health problems. The doctor may also check your family's health history.
2. General Physical Test - In this your height is measured. And your vital signs are checked like heart rate, BP, body temperature, abdominal check.
3. Calculating your BMI - The doctor can calculate your BMI to know your obesity level.
4. Measuring your waist circumference – The accumulation of fat around the waist can increase the risk of many diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
5. Blood tests - The blood tests recommended by the doctor depending on your health, risk factors, and the symptoms you are having. The doctor may suggest you the following tests -
Cholesterol Test
liver function test
Fasting Glucose Test
thyroid test
Some tests of the heart have been electrocardiogram
Obesity Treatment
Obesity treatment
The final goal is to reach a healthy weight and stay there. You may need to work with a team of doctors – a dietitian, behavior counselor, or obesity specialist – to understand and change your eating and physical The perfect treatment for you depends upon the level of obesity you have and your willingness to lose that extra weight. Other treatment tools include dietary changes, exercise, and physical activity.
change in diet
Reducing calories and eating healthy foods is important in overcoming obesity. You'll probably want to lose weight fast, but it's better to lose weight slowly. By doing this, the chances of gaining weight back are also less. (Read more - Diet tips to lose weight)
avoid unrealistic promises and dietary changes such as a crash diet as these might lead to dehydration.
Continue the weight loss program for at least 6 months and the maintenance phase of the program for at least one year for best results.
Always chose a diet plan that is easier for you to follow in the long run. Include the following things in the diet changes to treat obesity
Calorie reduction - You can reduce your weight by reducing your calorie intake. You and your doctor can track your eating and drinking habits, how many calories you're typically consuming, and where you can cut back. You and your doctor or any certified nutritionist can decide how many calories do you actually need to consume in order to lose weight.
A typical intake is 1,200 to 1,500 calories for women and 1,500 to 1,800 calories for men.
Filling up with less food - By eating large portions of low-calorie foods, you can reduce hunger pangs.
Making Healthy Choices - To make your overall diet healthier, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain carbohydrates. Also, focus on sources of protein such as pulses, soy, and meat (non-fat). If you like to fish, try adding fish twice a week. Reduce the amount of salt and sugar.
Consume low-fat dairy products. Eat fats in small amounts and make sure they come from heart-healthy sources, such as olive, canola, and walnut oils. Ask your doctor which diet plans are effective that may be helpful for you. Drinking sugary beverages will make you consume more calories, and limiting or eliminating these drinks altogether is a good start.
Meal replacement - You can replace one or two of your meals with low-calorie shakes or meal bars. Eat a small number of calories and fat in your third diet.
exercise and activity
For any type of obesity treatment, some sort of physical work is necessary. Most people who are able to maintain their lost weight for more than a year do regular exercise, which includes just walking.
To boost your activity level:
Exercise – People who are overweight or obese need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity to lose weight or to maintain a normal weight gain. For more significant weight loss, you may need to exercise 300 minutes or more a week.
Aerobic exercise - Regular aerobic exercise is the most effective way to burn calories and lose a lot of weight. Making simple changes during your day can make a big difference.
operation
Common weight-loss surgeries include:
Gastric bypass surgery
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding - LAGB
Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch
Gastric sleeve
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